DESERTED BUT NOT ALONE

READING: 2 TIMOTHY 4:9-18

Verse 17: “But the LORD stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.”

How would you feel if you had to defend yourself in court for teaching the Bible? It could be pretty scary. Then, how would you feel if at that time everyone deserted you and no one stood with you? That’s exactly what happened to the Apostle Paul in this passage. His response was to forgive those who abandoned him. Paul was able to forgive because his hope was in the Lord rather than in those who proved to be disloyal. As the result of his confidence in God instead of people, this godly man received four rewards. First, the Lord Himself stood with him and strengthened him. Second, the gospel was preached fully through him. Third, he was delivered from the situation. And fourth in verse 18, he received added proof that the Lord could be trusted to deliver and preserve him. I might add as a fifth reward, that he has passed the benefit of his experience along to encourage us. Paul set  the standard for walking by faith as being far greater than by sight.That’s a thought - about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. How much do you depend on other people to support you?
Too little     O     O     O   about right     O     O     O     too much

2. What reward are you experiencing as the result of your faith?